France: Business sentiment stable in June
The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies’ (INSEE) business sentiment index for the manufacturing sector remained steady in June at May’s revised 110 points (previously reported: 109 points). The indicator remained above the 100-point long-term average, the INSEE’s benchmark measure to distinguish between improving and worsening business expectations.
June’s reading reflected respondents’ mixed views on the economy. Firms’ assessment of production expectations and expected workforce size increased in June. Views on finished goods inventories were unchanged, while manufacturers’ outlook on overall order books declined marginally. Despite the drop, overall order books remained comfortably above the long-term average.
Regarding the different industries in the manufacturing sector, sentiment improved in the food products and beverages sector, and in transport equipment industries, but dipped marginally in the machinery and equipment goods industry.